Citation

Mbokota M, Moodley J. S. Afr. Med. J. 2003; 93(6): 455-457.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Council/University of Natal Pregnancy Hypertension Research Unit, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal, Durban.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, South African Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12916387

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine exposure to domestic violence by a partner or spouse among pregnant women attending a public sector hospital in Durban, South Africa. DESIGN: Six hundred and four randomly chosen women from a low-income community were interviewed over a 6-month period using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-eight per cent had experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives. Physical abuse (52%) was the most common, and 35% had been abused during the current pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is common in pregnancy among women attending a public sector hospital.

Language: en